Dutch cleaners' victory after 105-day strike

7th of May 2012

After 105 days of strike action, cleaners in the Netherlands have won their battle for better pay and conditions.

They are to be awarded a pay increase of 4.85 per cent, better training, regular monitoring of their workload and more security for temporary workers. Progress has also been made in the treatment of cleaners on sick leave.

On May 1 the cleaners got a two per cent pay increase, with a further 1.6 per cent year-end bonus to follow in December. As of 1 January 2013, they will receive another two per cent increase.

Funds have also been set aside to help 500 cleaners to learn the Dutch language, and a further 6,000 will benefit from skills training.

All temporary employees will receive a permanent contract of employment with their employer after one year of employment. And employers are to pay 1.4 per cent more in pension contributions.